It's tea cup time girls, light a pretty candle, brew some tea  & lets talk 

links and miscellaneous articles just for women to read

Dearest sisters...
I seek to encourage you to be feminine, graceful and modest in word, in deed in dress and in manner of living.  I pray to encourage you to embrace femininity, to love your husband and to love motherhood and delight in the precious gift the LORD has bestowed upon you creating you to be a woman and calling you as one of His dear children.  I pray that you will honour the will of God and seek to emulate the qualities He's given in His Word and celebrate the gift of womanhood by demonstrating it in all manner of speech, dress, lifestyle, as you guide the home and serve your family and guests who come to your table.

for encouragement and inspiration for the Christian mother at home.   These letters are much like The Welcome Home messages
I used to send to subscribers.
  

Whatever I share, I share with you because The LORD has been very merciful to me and He is trustworthy.  He is my Rock and my Redeemer, He is my Strength, my Source and my Shield.  He's brought me through many trials, has carried me through dark days and hopeless seasons---He's given me light and He's given me hope.  That's the reason this whole website exists... to share help and hope for women and families... and it's my prayer to inspire and encourage you to be the woman God's designed *you* to be.  The advice given is peer advice and there is no intent to be the "final authority" on any matter shared.  Trust the LORD, talk with your husband about anything you read here.  I have no intention to be the "last word" --- I do not think I know everything and pray to not come across that way.  God bless you in your home.  The plate's been dished up; take what you want and leave the rest.

Pregnancy and Birth record page;
write us and let us know your "due-date" and others can join in prayer for you.

Prayer requests for the blessing of Conception & Pregnancy


 

Do The Next Thing
a poem quoted by Elisabeth Elliot

 
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I have a number of pages that might be helpful to you if you're struggling with some different areas of life.  Many of the articles and links listed below might help you in whatever area you're facing difficulties or maybe you just need encouragement.

 

Time Online will take you away
from your husband and family and home.
Every time you face the screen,
you will have your back to them.
Every minute you spend online
will be a minute
you do not spend in homemaking.

Be careful to watch your time wisely. 
Set boundaries for your time online
and stick to them.

 

 

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God's Plan for Younger Women - part one; John MacArthur

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God's Plan for Younger Women - part two; John MacArthur

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Here is a sweet new article I just received.  I think it will very much, both bless and instruct mothers... specifically mothers of daughters.  God's Gift of Little Girls Jana Taft
 

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Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood - Carolyn Mahaney
 

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Weight and weightloss and "Low-carb" ideas. 
 

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If you're struggling in your marriage, I have several articles below in addition to messages I have written on the subject of marriage;  Sisters, please work at making marriage work---it really is so worth it!  I have discovered in thirty years of marriage that one of the greatest gifts and blessings God has ever allowed me is the gift of long marriage! O, how I treasure the gift of long love.  I have seen countless times that the enemy will stop at nothing in an attempt to destroy marriages, homes and godly seed.  The power of God will keep you from the snares of the devil.  BUT! You must yield to that power and truth and not to the wiles of the devil.  You MUST remain faithful, guarded, watchful, loyal and vigilant to protect the precious gift of marriage and fidelity.  You MUST fend off the attacks of the enemy by guarding your heart, keeping short accounts, trusting and being trustworthy and a whole lot more... be a faithful woman of the Word... obey the Lord and walk in His ways.
 

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I also have a page that's being developed that pertains specifically to marriage--- I just need more time to
add material to it---linked from there is a recommendation for going on dates and "romantic getaways."
 

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If you can't seem to get organized and it's plaguing you, then take a look at some ideas in the
Homemaking section---also in my "Good Things and Recipes" section.

 

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Many women struggle with decisions they've made in the past, failures or sins that they feel they cannot overcome. 
One such "failure" is that of abortion.  If you have had an abortion and are struggling with how to deal with your
guilt or regrets, there is help and hope.  Others can help you come to a place of forgiveness and healing---though
you may continue to struggle with past decisions.
 

Don't "muddle" through life... there is help and hope...
your tomorrows do not have to be like your yesterdays.  You can make it. You can implement changes and carry through with them. You don't have to go it alone. 
Seek the LORD and seek wisdom. 
You will find Him and you will find peace and joy.
Your life will not always be the same as it is today;
There will be another chapter.

Wives, this letter, a reprint from an article (by a sadly misguided wife) originally written in 1894 (click) and contains some thoughts that still permeate the thinking of wives in their marriages today.  Pray, work with your husband, Perhaps seek help from an older, trusted Christian woman if you're having difficulty in the area of the marriage bed.  You can work through troubles and have a very fulfilling love-life with your husband.

NEW Golden Secrets
From Survivors of 50+ Years of Marriage
Barbara Curtis

Winding Paths
Nancy Campbell

OUR FIRST RESPONSE 
nancy campbell

Loving our Husbands
or Ourselves?
Georgene

Respect When It's Hard
By Nancy Wilson

NEW  Mothers
get out your hankie for this one

TheYou-Know-You-Want-Me Clothes
pamela spurling

Just a Man
Debbie Yuck

A Call to Arms
Barbara Curtis

Norma Daulton
 Before You Say "I Do"
[A great article...
even if we said "I do" long ago.]
 
 Seven Secrets For Wives
Nancy Campbell

 For Mothers...
"Somebody said it takes about six
weeks to get back to normal after
you've had a baby..."

Am I Willing to Obey?  
Questions to ask when faced with decisions

Investing In Eternal Treasures
 Glenys Robyn Hicks

From a Mother’s Heart…
Enjoying the Journey

By Cindy Rushton

The Way We Were
Betty Jackson

Learn to really love your Husband
by Mrs. Sharon Hockenbury

NEW!   Learning From A Titus 2 Woman
A Wise Woman Is Like A Watered Garden

A Visit to the Home of a Friend
Does the "WelcomeFriends" sign
on your door really mean "welcome!"

A Letter to a Wife 
by Douglas Wilson  
(Very candid, very private, very
 Important--- wives, please read)

ladies against feminism
 A truly wonderful site filled with articles, book recommendations & great links:
promoting beautiful womanhood

 
The Thanksgiving Special
Struggling?  Need encouragement?

Head Coverings and Charity
by Douglas Wilson
credenda.org

A Wife’s Journal of Prayer for Her Husband
     by Sandy Willoughby    

 Good Things To Do
For Husbands & Fathers

Things you can do to show love
to the Daddy in your home.
A Woman's Full Obedience To Her Husband   
by Mrs. Sharon White        

What Is God's Design &
Calling For You As A Wife?
---Steve Carr

Linda Dillow's
 Answers to women about sex

 Weighing In On Weight Loss          
by Tammy, a sister in Australia 

Updated!
A Healthy Marriage

      
Ready Set Clean
from a Saver of Quite a Lot

pamela

Contrary to popular opinion and practice,
what really  is a woman's place in the
church and elsewhere? A very good article:
Health For You Ministry

Biblical Womanhood Defined
What does it really mean to be feminine?
NTCW Feminine
A Strong Woman

The Meaning of Femininity
by Douglas Jones - Credenda Agenda

Six Great Tips from Older Women

To Be a Mother is a Call to Suffer
 Dr. John Piper

Your Slip is Showing
by Nancy Wilson

Is A Submissive Wife A Doormat? -ps

Can You Learn to Rise While it's Yet Night? 
pamela spurling

Duties of Husbands and Wives
Richard Steele
( paraphrased  D. Scott Meadows)

God's High Calling For Women  
 (Long) Study guide by John MacArthur

Authority and Submission in Marriage 
---Rebecca Knox

Wifely  Submission  
 ---Rebecca Knox

An Excellent Wife
         ---Message by John MacArthur            
(Honouring Mothers on Mother's Day)

Do The Next Thing
(a poem quoted by Elisabeth Elliot)
 
 

You might like to use the
Titus 2 study in the
Bible resources section

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to  much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.   
 Titus 2.3-5

Ladies 23 week Bible study guide A Titus 2 Journey

 

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny... because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment... because you "deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge... because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing... because you're too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness... because you refuse to admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision... because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship... because nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven... because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory... because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking out for you. Untrue.
God has so much for you, I admit.
But don't worry...
If you stick with me, you'll never know.

-from Beth Moore's Praying God's Word

 

Kegel.  You will never regret doing these pelvic exercises---
but you will regret it if you don't.

More GREAT Website Links, Articles & Messages:

Georgene's beautiful site
A Woman
That Fears The Lord

she also has a wonderful blog
her writings will sure encourage you.
Georgene's xanga blog
Given Grace

We're writing…  …to bring glory to God by making Him more accurately known so that He is praised and celebrated;  …to remind ourselves of God's truth that we may walk in it; …to encourage our children on their journey with the Lord and give them tools to help train their children; …to exhort the Body of Christ and share ideas and resources; …to entreat those who have yet to meet the wonderful Savior to be reconciled to God

Mommy Life
The Blog and Website of
Barbara Curtis
wife, mother...
author of countless articles,
columns and books for families
 

by  Rebecca Knox
a pastor's wife who writes letters & articles relevant to wives, mothers, Christian women

Heartchange

and Helen's Heart Matters

Encouragement and inspiration in any area a woman faces.   I think it's especially geared to encourage women facing difficult issues---articles to inspire those with grief, past hurts and difficult situations.  Please see Michelle Haynes'
 
A Woman's Place

Be a faithful student of the Word!
How To Really Love Your Husband
Gail Dunbar's site for insight and understanding of the ways marriage for marriage to be deeply satisfying.

   


Another author of very helpful women's books is
Elizabeth George 
You'll find great help at her website where you can take a look at available books, and Bible Studies. 

A Woman of Value Ministries
with Norma Daulton
Norma sends beautiful and informative
newsletters by email subscription
Norma is also well informed on matters
of healthy choices & practices.
 
Going through difficulties?  Heavy burdens?  Here's a site that is filled to the brim with encouraging articles that will inspire
you to press on

heartblessings.net 
Noble Womanhood
"This website is dedicated to proclaiming the nobility of the home and reclaiming the lost arts of homemaking. While the role of the keeper at home was once much honored and revered, over the last several generations it has become a position now mocked and looked down upon by most of society."

Are you a strong willed woman?? 
Is it sometimes difficult for you to communicate ideas or feel like
you are being an effective teacher?  Maybe there is nothing wrong...
 maybe it's just a matter of style.  
 Read and/or listen to Cynthia Tobias and learn new ways of teaching and communicating 
amatterofstyle.com

Anne Elliott is the owner of    
Anne's Homey Place.
The focus of her site is to help Christian women grow in 5 key relationships:  to God, to their husband, to their children, to their home & to the world.
This was one of the very first sites I linked to some 12-13 years ago... Anne's Homey Place became simply Anne Elliot and now you'll see it as Anne's Coffee Break!

All these books and more
can be found at:
Christian Book Distributors.com
CBD 

In addition to being a wonderful retreat speaker, Cynthia Heald is one of my favourite authors.  She has written numerous Bible studies, prayer guides and a wonderful book on marriage. 

If you're looking for a study to do with a small group of women, I'd encourage you to look into her work...  an excellent wife is careful to be an obedient wife... we learn obedience through prayer and careful study of the Word of  God.   

a wonderful website:
Happiness is a verb
your inspiring inspirational pages

The Excellent Wife
Book and Study Guide by Martha Peace
Books and devotionals
by Elisabeth Elliot

 

After A While
by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn
that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't always mean security.
And you begin to learn
that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child
and you learn
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden
and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone
to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
you really are strong
you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn with every goodbye, you learn...

 
Malachi 3:3 says:
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
 
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what  this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.  The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy ----when I see my image in it."
 
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. 
Oh to be more like Him ~  Love, Angela   (Thank you, Angela, for sending this in)
 


‘A True Blessing’

Ever since that wonderful day my love and I became as one,

I realized that our married life’s journey had only just begun.

I asked the Lord to show me how my joy could be complete,

And He brought to mind His Holy Word as I sat at His feet.

 

He told me that I would have to be willing to lay down my life

In showing the sacrificial loving that befits a godly wife.

He told me if I surrendered to His great marriage plan,

I would be forever blessed with a very happy man.

 

For I was born a woman who was called to be a wife,

A woman of great value and a pearl of great price.

I was called to be a helper to a man I call my own,

To lovingly care for him and make for us a home.

 

To always be thinking of him and how to please him best,

And to be a shoulder to lean on if he should need to rest.

I’d be someone he could talk to without fear of betrayal,

A listener and confidante not given to telling tales.

 

I decided I would seek the Lord daily and ask for His direction

In making me an instrument of His peace and affection.

A wife and treasure who would bless her man all her days,

In meeting all of his needs through learning of his ways.

 

So I will learn by prayerful watching and I will take every measure

To be a willing helper who brings her man much gain and pleasure

In putting him above all else except for our God in Heaven,

Showing him God’s marriage plan by being a true blessing.

Glenys Robin Hicks

 

 

Raising Maidens of Virtue:
A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters  
by  Stacy McDonald
Read a Sample Chapter from this new book here!


It's not too late for a hope chest...
Updated!  You can read about the inspiring life of the author of the book: The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love, 
and browse the site about hope chests and traditions, where you'll  gather ideas and patterns for sewing for your
 Hope Chest ~ Soon many products and patterns will be added to this site:
Hope Chest Legacy The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love
a book by Rebekah Wilson

Hope Chests and related sites

Kentucky Hills Cedar
 kyhillscedar

Our own Hopechest page
http://achristianhome.org/HopeChest.htm


What a Godly Man Should Look Like
Kathy Gruben

"I would use these words to describe this wonderful man of virtue....

Noble, chivalrous, courageous, fun, true, wise, loyal, passionate, protector, gentle, humble, strong, self-sacrificial, adventurous, patient, loving, kind, serving, intelligent, polite, family centered, lover of truth, steeped in the Word of God, prayerful and hospitable.

These are not the kind of guys that you always notice first in a crowd. But they are the ones that you admire most once you do notice them. They are the ones who go to the person sitting on the side of the church looking left out, and shake hands with a smile. They are the ones that you will find at home instead of in youth group. You will see them sitting with their folks rather than passing notes in the back of church with their friends. You will find them helping in the kitchen or taking out the trash, walking the ladies to their cars and carrying diaper bags even if they don't belong to them.

You'll find them with other guys, in deep discussions about theology, worldview philosophies, politics, and books rather than just talking about the latest football games, computer games and girls. Yet, they can converse on these topics too when needed :- ) . These are the guys who walk on the outside of the sidewalk to protect the lady whom they might be with, and are always watching for ways to take care of her as a sister. When looking for a mate, they want the one who is at home (or wants to be) and "hangs out" with her mom and siblings more than her buddies.

They love a good time, but it usually entails sword fighting, ultimate Frisbee, board games, hiking, touch football,  night tag, water balloon fights and G rated movies rather than sports teams, dancing at the bar or movies with violence and sex-who cares if they are in their 20's! A big night on the town includes taking the siblings to the grocery store, the library or out for miniature golf. They are passionate about the things of God and they do not bend on their convictions, no matter what others may say or do. They don't care that some might see them as "goody-goody" or strange for not dating or for spending so much time with their family-they are proud of it!

You might see them on the road at 6:30am rushing to get to a 7:00am catechism class, even though no one is making him go. You will find them in family worship, singing or playing the piano, teaching God's word to his family or sitting at his fathers feet. They write marvelous heart felt letters of encouragement when needed and yet might not say too much by way of personal stuff to many. They keep confidences. You might easily see him with a crowd of little ones about him as he helps to teach them something or play with them. He will watch an old movie and play cards with his siblings or parents ,even when he would rather be playing "Stronghold Crusader" on his laptop.

He would give up his very life for his savior, his ideals and his family. He makes ice cream floats of all kinds-even strange concoctions- and gives his mom tea in bed. He bakes birthday cakes for his friends with his sister's recipes. He learns follow a recipe and make things in the crock-pot because he wants to be able to at least take care of his wife when the baby comes. You are likely to find him under a car, on top of a roof, mowing a lawn, mending the fence, writing a book, working the night shift to help the family-anywhere that will require hard work, initiative and drive-but not for his own sake.

They are so admired and dearly loved by their families because they are an indispensable source of joy and encouragement, strength of character and servitude. They are never truly independent, because they have come to that wonderful place in the Christian life where they realize, that they must be dependent on God alone in His sovereignty, and the people that He has placed in his life.

Therefore, he is a true man's man. A giant. One to look up to. A hero. A leader among his peers. Strong, steady, dependable and one that you could place your life and the lives of your children into his capable and loving hands-with no regrets or fears."

Kathy Gruben 2006

 

Gifts for any occasion  a list of ideas for you...

The original site, Sisters in Christ, was one of the first sites I found early on in my search for Christian studies.  The owner has been such a special blessing in my life as I have learned many valuable lessons from her. As Safe Haven, it's filled with helpful articles, ideas, character and Bible studies. I pray you will find the answers to your questions here.  Just click:
http://bravewc.com/haven/index.html

 
A Special Friend
A friend joyfully sings with you
on the mountaintop
Silently walks beside you
through the valley
Warms you by her presence
Trusts you with a secret
And remembers you in prayer

Conflicts? Hope for Christians in Conflict Peacemaker Ministries hispeace.org

Home Notes    frugal homemaker

 

This is a copy of a Mary Engelbreit card that my husband gave me for our anniversary a few years ago.  I have some of her books, stamps  and calendars.  I just wanted to share this with you... the sentiment is so precious, and needful when you may feel like times are hard... resolve to stay the course, purpose to love your husband and care for his needs...   Grow old along with him! The best is yet to be...

And you can take a look at her magazines and ordering instructions here: maryengelbreit.com 

DisclaimerAs with anything, "Christian" or  "non-Christian" please use discretion and understand that
I share these links as ideas... not to endorse everything on the sites, the ideas, or all of the owners' ways.

When you eat a watermelon, eat the fruit and spit out the seeds.

Excerpt from St. Elmo (pg. 467, 468) written by Augusta Jane Evans-Wilson (1866):

"Jealously she contended for every woman's right which God and nature had decreed the sex. The right to be learned, wise, noble, useful, in woman's divinely limited sphere; the right to influence and exalt the circle in which she moved; the right to mount the sanctified bema of her own quiet hearthstone; the right to modify and direct her husband's opinions, if he considered her worthy and competent to guide him; the right to make her children ornaments to their nation, and a crown of glory to their race; the right to advise, to plead, to pray; the right to make her desk a Delphi if God so permitted; the right to be all that the phrase "noble, Christian woman" means."

 

To the Women in my life----Love you one and all.

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.
One friend's best is needed when you're going through things with your children.
Another friend's best is needed when you're going through things with your Mom.

Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.
One friend will say let's pray together,
another let's cry together,
another let's fight together,
another let's walk away together.

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
another your shoe fetish,
another your love for movies,
another will be with you in your season of confusion,
another will be your clarifier,
another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day,
or wherever you need them to meet you with their
gym shoes on and hair pulled back
or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself...
those are your friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
but for many it's wrapped up in several...
one from 3rd grade, one from high school,
from the college years, a couple from old jobs,
several from church, on some days your mother, on others your sisters,
and on some days it's the one that you needed just for that day
or week that you needed someone with a fresh perspective,
or the one who didn't know all your baggage,
or the one who would just listen without judging...
those are good girlfriends/best friends.

I thank my girlfriends, those who honor intimacy,
those who hold trust, and those who hold me up when life is just too heavy!

The special bond we share is unique.
Thanks for the words we've shared.
The prayers we've sent up.
The laughs, the tears, the phone calls, the emails,
the shopping, the movies, the lunches, the dinners,
the talking, talking, talking and the listening, listening, listening....

So whether you've been there 20 minutes or 20 years + +,
I love you!

I'll pass this on to the women that God
has placed in my life to make a difference.
Life is not measured by the number of years in our life...
but by the lives in our years.

(I do not know who authored this precious letter.  I wish it had been me ~smile~ )

 

Kegel. 
You will never regret doing these pelvic exercises---
but you
will regret it if you don't.